1 /5 Rebekah Szyszka: EDIT: I have changed my review from 3* to 1*
because I was made aware at my recent nail appointment with my actual nail tech that this salon uses MMA monomer instead of EMA monomer. MMA was banned by the FDA because of how harsh it is on one’s natural nails. It is INCREDIBLY hard to remove, took my tech almost TWO HOURS to remove (soak off + drilling) when usually a soak-off only takes her 25 minutes max. My natural nails were so thin and ragged following the removal we had to call it quits for a few weeks to wait for my nails to grow out and be strengthened again. DO NOT get your acrylics done here, it’s not worth it.
***
I don’t typically get my acrylic sets done at Kiwii’s since I have a pretty solid home based tech I see every few weeks, but I had a nail emergency and couldn’t get in with my usual tech I decided to give Kiwii’s a try as I’d previously had a fantastic pedicure experience here the weekend before Easter 2024. I am a little disappointed in the overall experience, though my nails did turn out beautiful.
I was a walk-in, and the wait wasn’t too bad. Maybe 25 minutes all together, but the techs were very very busy so it’s totally understandable. I was serviced by Kenny today, and while he was very kind, this was the roughest manicure I have experienced in my time getting my nails done. I needed to get a soak off of a pervious set (there was some lifting because my pinky nails kept snagging on things and I nearly broke a few acrylics due to this, but my usual nail tech was booked way out due to graduations taking place within the next few weeks.) However, after trimming down my acrylics, Kenny attempted to pry the remaining acrylic off which hurt pretty bad since the acrylic was still relatively solidly adhered to my natural nail, other than at my pinky nails which had been lifting in the first place. I did request a soak off twice prior to him trying to simply pry the acrylic off, and had to reiterate the fact that I wanted the soak off after explaining that the prying was hurting me. I did have 3d charms on a few of my nails and the removal of those hurt a little bit as well, when typically it does not.
After my nails soaked in acetone for a bit for removal, he drilled the remaining acrylic off my nails. This was also rougher than what I am accustomed to, and burned at times due to how many times he went over the same spot on my nails, as well as hitting my cuticles a few times.
For the most part I was willing to over look these issues because of how speedy the majority of the process was, and as a mom of 2 young children time truly is of the essence for my appointments. However, I could not get past the point at the end of my set when I got nicked on 3 separate nails (both thumbs and my left ring finger, though it’s hard to see in pictures) to the point of bleeding. The first time I could be understanding, but for it to happen twice more feels a little negligent. Or at the very least, not as attentive as I would have expected a nail tech to be after being made aware the first time. I will say that Kenny was quick to disinfect the nicks with alcohol and I followed up with washing my hands twice to hopefully keep the area clean and avoid any issues but I will be monitoring the next couple of days to insure I do not have any issues arise from the nicks.
For those reasons, I had to rate 3 stars. Overall, the environment is very welcoming and the owners are lovely people, I am just a little disappointed in the fact that I have never gotten hurt getting my nails done prior to this, and paying $80 + tip was a little frustrating. However, I do still absolutely recommend Kiwii Nails & Spa for pedicures, and would even be willing to give them a second go with my acrylics since I know everyone has off days.
Do be willing to speak up and advocate for yourself in the event that you feel any pain at any time during the nail services though! That’s something I have a difficult time with myself, but ultimately it was not an experience that would totally deter me from coming back.
